Bad temper outbreaks
Everyone gets angry—but rolling your eyes, pouting your lips and belligerence don’t belong in the office. If something upsets you, take a step back to calm yourself. And if you showed too much discontent for something at the office, don’t hesitate to apologize for your behavior to those who witnessed it. Bad tempers push people away and often isolate the angered employee. By better managing your temper, you will garner more respect from people at the office.

Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill, Getty Images/Blend Images

Bad temper outbreaks
Everyone gets angry—but rolling your eyes,...

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Don’t over share
It’s fine to discuss vacations and other weekend plans with colleagues, but keep it to a handful. No one likes to listen to hours of talk about personal problems or what you did with your partner—especially if it involves intimacy. Keep your conversations focused on work related tasks and save the personal anecdotes for a night out with friends.

Photo: Glow Images, Getty Images/Glowimages

Don’t over share
It’s fine to discuss vacations and other...

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Avoid the rumor mill
Every office has gossip and it’s always clear who participates and who doesn’t. By making a conscious effort not to participate in office chinwag, you aren’t just enhancing the office environment but also making more allies.

Avoid the rumor mill
Every office has gossip and it’s always...

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Don’t take people for granted
It’s easy to forget to say thank you—especially if you are not present when someone sets up the conference room or picks up your lunch. But once in a while, it’s a great idea to show appreciation for co-workers who demonstrate initiative. Whether you express your gratitude verbally or in an email, an acknowledgment will go a long way.

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Don’t take people for granted
It’s easy to forget to say thank...

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Poor listening
Although you may be tempted to multi-task as a colleague goes over some notes with you, try to unplug and give your co-worker your full attention. If someone steps into your cube or office just to say hello, pause your work for an instant to greet them properly. Whether someone is scheduled to meet with you or not, give them your undivided attention. No one likes to feel as though they are not being heard and taking a break from email or texting will only help your co-workers appreciate you more.

Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill, Getty Images/Blend Images

Poor listening
Although you may be tempted to multi-task as a...

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Don’t forget to put an “Out of Order” sign on appliances after they break
Alert your supervisor or IT department that something isn't working right. Then save your coworkers the frustration of trying to use a broken device by posting a sign on out of order devices.

Photo: Chip Simons, Getty Images

Don’t forget to put an “Out of Order” sign on appliances...

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Don’t let your lunch left overs sit on your desk for days
No one wants to watch your lunch turn from delicious to rotten. Put away leftovers as soon as you're done eating and throw out anything you don't plan to eat again. Food can also go bad in your office refrigerator.

Photo: FStop Images - Antenna, Getty Images/Brand X

Don’t let your lunch left overs sit on your desk for days
No one...

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Don’t leave your dirty dishes in the kitchen for someone else to wash
This is another food-related behavior to avoid. Make sure to clean up after you use plates, cups, utensils, or any other cooking equipment in your office.

Photo: Image Source, Getty Images/Image Source

Don’t leave your dirty dishes in the kitchen for someone else to...

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Don’t leave your trash in the conference room
Chances are, your team isn't the only one to use each conference room. Wipe down boards and clean up any materials used during your meetings.

Photo: Monashee Frantz, Getty Images/OJO Images RF

Don’t leave your trash in the conference room
Chances are, your...

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Keep the volume on your cell phone on low or put it on vibrate
No one wants their meeting or presentation interrupted by your ringtone. Turn the volume way down or set the ringtone to vibrate. If you must have the volume on, make sure the ringtone is office appropriate.

More Information

The office environment in the San Francisco Bay Area is fairly laid back—especially when compared to corporate settings in other parts of the country. But while it's acceptable to wear more comfortable clothing and even sometimes bring your pet to work, it's never a good idea to allow manners from the home to enter the workplace.By avoiding these 10 behaviors, you will create a more harmonious work atmosphere and build stronger relationships with your colleagues.

Belo Cipriani is an award-winning author, former staffing professional, a spokesperson for Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Writer-in-Residence at Holy Names University. Learn more at BeloCipriani.com.